The opening of Gin Mill's new location in South End is taking a bit longer than expected. But when it opens, customers won't have to go far.

The Gin Mill moved out of its former longstanding home at 1411 S. Tryon St. in late August, and owner John Ellison had hoped to reopen a revamped version of that popular neighborhood bar next door at about that same time. He now anticipates an early November opening.

Various hangups have hindered the project, said Ellison, naming everything from difficulties finding labor to issues that arise when renovating an older building. The building at 1423 S. Tryon St. dates back to the 1950s and most recently housed Ellison's former music venue, Amos' South End. Ellison closed Amos' in March after he lost parking from across the street for development of Beacon Partners' RailYard project, where demo work has now started.

Since closing Amos', Ellison has been working to transform that concert venue into a 5,000-square-foot home for Gin Mill. This is his third renovation at the space.

The downstairs is about 80% complete, with wall and flooring work remaining to be finished, Ellison said this week during a tour of the space.

In addition to a 35-foot long bar, equipped with two dozen taps serving up local brews and two specialty cocktails, the downstairs area will include a stage for live music as well as a kitchen and dining space for 90.

The Gin Mill will now serve food, with a preliminary menu incorporating a plethora of American fare, such as burgers and sliders, sandwiches and wraps, wings, hotdogs, flat breads, soups and salads as well as appetizers like pimento cheese fritters and local beer-battered onion rings. Ellison said he is bringing on local chef Clayton Sanders, of Davidson Street Public House, to head the kitchen and prepare dishes with a twist.

"We're really making a big effort on the food part," Ellison said.

Initially, the Gin Mill will open in late afternoon for dinner and late-night service. Ellison said he plans to open the establishment for lunch in early 2018.

A game area will darts and shuffleboard will be located in an upstairs space, as will more tables and couches.

And similar to the old Gin Mill, the new location will boast a rooftop patio with a separate, smaller bar. Ellison said the rooftop project is about 10% finished.

"It's got a better view of downtown," said Ellison, when talking about the new rooftop patio.

Changes are also taking shape to the building's exterior. The front facade has recently added two large, garage-style windows and a new entrance. Gray stucco has been removed to expose brick, and an outdoor, dog-friendly patio that opens up to the main bar is in the works.

Ellison described Gin Mill's design as industrial, yet comfortable, with tall, exposed ceilings and bamboo accents. The color scheme will include shades of brown, light green and orange.

Ellison said he's currently looking to hire 15 employees ranging from servers to cooks and will bring back seven staffers from the old location.

The entire renovation is expected to cost about $600,000, Ellison said. His business partner in the venture is Matt Lorusso.

The pair have worked out a five-year lease for the space, with the option of staying for an additional 10 years.

A sports bar, The Brickyard, has replaced the Gin Mill's old location.